Gwendolyn “Gwen” W. Lott McKinley

Gwendolyn (“Gwen”) W. Lott McKinley, 98, left her earthly life for her glory in Heaven on May 10, 2023. She was born in Trinity, TX, on June 3, 1924, to Roy and Genevieve (Jones) Lott.

Gwen married Robert (“Bob”) McKinley on July 16, 1945 and began her life as a Navy wife in Corpus Christi, becoming a full-time mom in 1949. The family was stationed in Whidbey Island, WA, Oahu, Hawaii, and Sunnyvale, CA, before returning to Corpus Christi. There, Gwen and Bob became charter members of Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church, serving actively in many and various capacities. They were members of several round and square dance clubs for many years, and enjoyed playing dominos, Uno, Bunco, and Farkel with family and friends.

Gwen worked as a bookkeeper and for 15 years as a secretary at the Region II Education Service Center till retiring in 1986.

She will be remembered for her tacos, homemade pizza (parties), her love of horses and riding, her generosity, and unconditional love of and devotion to family and friends.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, a baby daughter, grandson, Iz Birnbaum; her sister, Gen; and brother, Bud. Left to cherish her memory are her children, son, Roy McKinley of Forney, TX; daughters, Jamie Baglio and Robbyn (Isdell) Birnbaum of Annaville; grandsons, Gabe Birnbaum of San Antonio, Garett (Lauren) Birnbaum of Round Rock, and Chris (Florencia) Baglio of Columbia, VA; niece, Carol (Fred) Koffel; and nephew, Leigh (Carol) Hightower.

Special tribute to Gwen’s son-in-law , “JR” (Isdell Birnbaum), for his genuine love, care, concern, and support for her and family members for the past 10 years as our parents declined in mental and physical health. He took on the role of “man of the house” when Gwen became a widow. He was her Mr. Fix-It, Yard Guy, Maintenance Man, to name but a few of his volunteer efforts to keep her home functioning. More important, JR was the family’s main source of comic relief.

Special thanks to Angel Bright Hospice, especially Joseph and Kristi, for their care and concern.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00AM on June 3, 2023 (Gwen’s 99th birthday!) at Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church, 10500 Stonewall Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX, 78410.